Retaining device for tensioning cable of ski binding



N ov. 3, 1964 H. MARKER 3,155,398

RETAINING DEvicE Foa TENszoNING CABLE oF sx1 BINDING v Filed June 29, 1962 In Ven'ar Hannes Mar/(em United States Patent O4 This invention relates to a hold-down retaining device for tensioning cables of ski bindings or fastenings, comprising a base portion mounted on the lateral surface of the ski and a hold-down hoo-k portion which engages the cable from above. Cable retaining devices or cable holders of this kind are tted in a known manner to the latenal surfaces of skis in a position essentially near the heels of the ski boots. The tensioning cable is placed under the cable holder in such a way that, in tensioned position, it exerts a pulling force on the heel of the boot which acts in an inclined and downward direction, thus pressing the heel of the boot firmly against the ski. Known cable holders of the type described in the foregoing have'a hold-down hook portion the outer end of which extends downwards over all of the cable diameter. At a certain distance to the rear of such holddown hook, as viewed in ski longitudinal direction, provision is made of a lug which is rigid or made of spring steel and so designed as to prevent the cable from sliding or falling out of the holder assembly while untensioned. However, such known cable holders have a number of essential disadvantages:

In the event of a pulling force acting outwardly in a direction perpendicular to the base portion of the holder, the tensioning cable will not be released. Such release in response to a pull to the outside is, however, important not only to permit convenient disengagement of the cable in case of need, for example when changing from downhill to cross-country skiing, but also in conjunction with the release mechanism of various types of safety ski bindings or fastenings. The release mechanism of such safety bindings operates in such a way that, in the event of excessive morsional forces, which might be injurious to the leg, rst a jaw-like member attached to the front end of the ski boot is released so that the boot is, to a certain extent, free to turn and give way to such torsional forces. To permit further such turning movement of the boot, the tensioning cable must be capable of disengaging in response to lateral pull caused thereby. In the case of known cableholders, such lateral release of the tensioning cable is purposely prevented in that the hold-down hook engaging the cable from above extends far downwards, while the lug provided to the rear of the hold-down hook extends in the opposite direction upwards. lateral disengagement of the tensioned cable is thus made impossible in a twofold way. Another considerable disadvantage of known cable holders of the kind described consists in too frequent disengagement of the cable from the holder assembly while the cable is untensioned. This is due to the fact that the untensioned cable, after relatively brief use, assumes a shape similar to `the one it has when tensioned, i.e., it becomes bent in an upward direction at the rear end of the holder. As a result, the lug provided to the rear of the cable holder loses its supporting action, so that the cable can fall downwards while untensioned. It is then no longer covered laterally by the hold-down hook of the cable holder and can slip oif sideways. Whenever the ski is manipulated or handled with the cable untensioned, the latter will no longer be retained under the cable holder. When the ski is attached to the boot, the cable must be reinserted into and 3,155,398 Patented Nov. 3, 1964 under the holder and held in this position until the cable is tensioned. This is not only inconvenient in everyday skiing practice, but even annoying, in that it may permit snow and ice to accumulate under the hold-down hook of the cable holder while the cable is not in its normal position under the holder, and such snow must constantly be removed before the cable can be properly inserted.

These disadvantages are avoided by a retaining device according to the invention in that a cable holder of the type described in the foregoing is provided in which the outer edge of the hold-down hook extends only to approximately the horizontal plane containing the axis of the tensioned cable, and further at least one elastic support member is provided under the cable and at a certain distance from the outer edge of the hold-down hook, such distance being smaller than the cable diameter. Such an arrangement ensures that, in the event of a pulling force occurring outwardly in a direction perpendicular to the lateral surface of the ski, .the cable can slip from under and out of the hold-down hook by way of a slight elastic deformation of the elastic support member, while on the other hand, if such laterally acting pulling force is too small to effect suicient elastic deformation of the support member, the cable is not released from under and out of the hold-down hook. A cable holder according to this invention is therefore particularly suitable for use in conjunction with the aforementioned safety bindings or fastenings which, for optimum function, require lateral release of the cable in the event of a heavy fall of the skier. On the other hand, however, the cable is safely retained under the hold-down hook under normal handling conditions. The cable can be inserted under the hold-down hook only by exerting a slight amount of force and pressing :the elastic support member slightly downwards. This means that the cable cannot, e.g. during transport of the skis or attaching them to the boots, come off laterally or fall downwards, even though small pulling forces in a lateral or downward direction may occur. Moreover, it is practically impossible for ice and snow to accumulate under the hold-down hook of the cable holder, since the cable, even while not tensioned, is always positively retained under the hold-down hook of the holder by means of the elastic support member cooperating with the hook.

Further characteristics and advantages of the cable holder yaccording to :this invention are explained in greater detail in the description below with reference to the ac-` companying drawings, wherein FIG. ,1 is a side view of an `embodiment of thenew cable holder according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a section along line II-H of the cable holder shown in FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are a side view, a sectional view and a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention;

and

FIG. 7 is the cut-to-size plate forming the base portion and hold-down hook portion of this second embodiment prior to bending into final shape.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, reference number l is part of a tensioning cable which, to the right, leads to a tensioning or attaching device provided in front of the ski b oot, while on the left it is in a known manner engaged in a groove provided in the heel of the ski boot. The tensioning cable, which is shown in tensioned position, extends under, and is retained by, a cable holder assembly according to the invention, such holder being mounted in a known manner on the lateral surface of the ski, near the heel of the ski boot. The cable holder essentially comprises a base portion 2, a hold-down portion 3, which engages cable l from above, and an elastic support member 4, which is provided at a distance smaller than the cable diameter from the hold-down portion of the holder. The hold-down portion is preferably designed in the form of a hook 3, as in the embodiments shown in the drawings, but may well have any other suitable form and, for example, consist of a roll, pulley or the like. Base portion 2 of the holder cornprises two bores 5 for the purpose of mounting the holder lon a lateral surface of the ski by means of screws. The outer edge e of hold-down portion 3, according to this invention, extends only to approximately the horizontal plane containing the axis of the cable, as can be seen particularly from FIG. 2. In addition, the elastic support member 4 is provided essentially under the lowest point of hook edge 6 in such a way that the distance s between this elastic support member and the lower edge 6 of the hold-down hook is smaller' than the diameter d of cable l. In the embodiment shown in the drawing, for example, this distance s is 4 mm. (approx. %2 in.), while the cable diameter d is 5 mm. (approx. ij71e im)- In the embodiments shown, the elastic support member consists of a leaf spring 4, 4a. This leaf spring is preferably bent in such a way that it clings to the cable holder by its inherent spring force. In a preferred arrangement, this leaf spring 4 or da comprises a portion 7 or 7a which embraces base portion 2 of the cable holder from behind. The upper end of this leaf spring portion 7, 7a is further bent `around part of the hold-down hook 3 or 8 in such manner that the leaf spring d, 4a, whose lower free end is bent about the lower end of cable holder base portion 2 and from there extends in an upward and outward direction, is firmly pressed against, and held on, the cable holder. As will be seen from the drawing, provision is made for a small amount of clearance a between the elastic support member and cable l, when the cable is tensioned, which is due to the fact that the distance between the leaf spring 4, 4a and the uppermost point of the inner wall of hold-down hook 3, 8 is larger than the diameter of cable 1. This small clearance a has the advantage that tensioning and untensioning of the cable can be effected with the cable being freely movable between hold-down hook 3, 8 and elastic support member 4, 4a. Hence, the leaf spring 4, 4a is not subjected to any load whatever while the cable is in tensioned position and will thus have a long service l-ife in that elastic deformation takes place only if and when the cable is inserted into, or removed from, the holder assembly.

To facilitate inserting the cable 1 into and under the hold-down hook 3, 8, the outermost portion liti, lilla of the free end of leaf spring 4, da, which is located opposite the lower edge 6 or 9 of the hold-down hook, is bent in a downward and outward direction, i.e., away from the edge of the hook. This arrangement provides for `a wedge-shaped entry or inlet which makes inserting the cable 1 considerably more convenient. The cable holder assembly will release the cable only in response to a lateral pull in direction S, while the cable is safely retained in the holder when a pulling force is acting in upward direction O.Y

The second embodiment comprises two bent-up sections or tongues 11 which are provided on both sides of the free end of leaf spring 4a. The free edges of such tongues 11 which are adjacent to the leaf spring da are approximately at right angles to the lower edge of cable holder base portion 2,'while the two opposite free edges of these tongues form an acute angle with the lower edge ofthe cable holder base portion. These tongues 1l have a deflecting function and will protect the free end of leaf spring 4a from being struck, and damaged, by stones, roots or the like. In addition, the cable holder base portion 2 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 is provided with a stamped recess 12, on its rear side, the depth of this recess being approximately the same as the thickness of the leaf spring 4a. Such recess 12 receives the leaf spring, ensuring a ilush rear surface of the cable holder assembly and thus improved mounting conditions on the lateral surface of the ski.

The elastic support member, which is shown in the form of a leaf spring in the embodiments described in the foregoing and the accompanying drawings, may also have any other suitable form and/or design; it may, for example, consist of a horizontal rubber member held by tongues extending from the cable holder base portion, or be in the form of rubber-covered bolts. But the leaf spring device has proved the most expedient and eicient design. Similarly, the hold-down hook 3 or 8 may have any other form than that shown in the drawings. It will be expedient, however, to design the cable holder assembly, including the elastic support member or members, in such a way that it is completely symmetrical relative to a plane containing its vertical axis and perpendicular to the cable holder base portion. This symmetrical design has several advantages: the same cable holder can be attached to either side surface of the ski, only one tool is required for making the holder, and inventories are reduced.

What is claimed is:

l. A retaining device for the tensioning cable of ski bindings comprising a base portion to be mounted on the lateral surface of skis and -a hold-down hook portion engaging the cable from* above, wherein the outer edge of the hold-down hook portion extends only to approximately the horizontal plane containing the axis of the tensioned cable, an elastic support member provided under the cable, such elastic support member being arranged at a distance from the outer edge of the hold-down hook portion which is smaller than the cable diameter and, wherein the elastic support member consists of a leaf spring which embraces the base portion from the rear and the hold-down hook portion partially from above, and the free end of which is bent about the lower edge of the base portion and from there extends in an outward and upward direction.

2. A retaining device for the tensioning cable of ski bindings comprising a base portion to be mounted on the lateral surface of skis and a hold-down hook portion engaging the cable from above, wherein the outer edge of the hold-down hook portion extends only to approximately ythe horizontal plane containing the axis of the tensioned cable, an elastic support member provided under the cable, such elastic support member being arranged at a distance from the outer edge of the hold-down hook portion which is smaller than the cable diameter, said elastic support member comprising a leaf spring which embraces said base portion from the rear yand said hold-down hook portion partially from above, the free end o-f said leaf spring being bent about the lower edge of said base portion and from there said leaf spring extending outwardly and upwardly, and wherein the outermost portion of the free end of the leaf spring is bent downward and to the outside.

3. A retaining device for the tensioning cable of ski bindings comprising a base portion to be mounted on the lateral surface of skis and a hold-down hook portion engaging the cable from above, wherein the outer edge of therhold-down hook portion extends only to approximately the horizontal plane containing the axis of the tensioned cable, an elastic support member provided under the cable, such elastic support member being arranged at a distance from the outer edge of the hold-down hook portion which is smaller than the cable diameter, said elastic support member comprising a leaf spring which embraces said base portion from the rear and said holddown hook portion partially from above, the free end of said leaf spring being bent about the lower edge of said base portion and from there said leaf spring extending outwardly and upwardly, and wherein the base portion is, on both sides of the free end of the leaf spring, provided with triangular tongues, which extend in an angular direction to the outside in such manner that, at their free edges adjacent to Vftheileaf spr-ing, they 'form an approximate right angle with the base portion, while at their free edges away from the leaf spring they form an acute angle with `the 'b ase portion.

4. A retaining device for the tensioning cable of ski bindings comprising ,a base portion to be mounted on the lateral surface of skis and a hold-down hook portion engaging the cable from above, wherein the outer edge of the hold-down hook portion extends only to approximately the horizontal plane containing the axis of the tensioned cable, an elastic support member provided under the cable, such elastic support member being arranged at a distance from the outer edge of the holddown hook portion which is smaller than the cable diameter, said elastic support member comprising a leaf spring which embraces said base portion from the rear and said hold-down hook portion partially from above,

the free end of said leaf springv being bent about the lower edge of said base portion `and from there said leaf spring extending outwardly and upwardly, and wherein the rear side of the base portion is provided with a stamped recess corresponding in size to the width and depth of the leaf spring.

5. A retaining device for the tensioning cable of ski bindings comprising a vertical base portion with a turned down cable holding hook portion on its upper end for mounting on the side surface of skis to engage the upper portion of a ski cable, with the outer edge of said hook portion extending downwardly to approximately the horizontal plane of the axis of a tensioned cable disposed thereunder, and a resilient support member secured to said base portion in vertical lalignment below saidhook portion, and of approximately the same Width as said hook portion, said support member extending outwardly beyond the diameter of a cable adapted to be disposed under said hook portion, with the surface of said resilient member disposed below said outer edge of said hook portion being spaced therefrom a distance which is less than the diameter of a cable adapted to be disposed below Said hook portion to provide a horizontally extending slot therebetween so said cable can be released therefrom by a lateral `force on said cable and retained therein nt all other times.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,977,129 3/61 Marker 28011.35 3,044,792 7/62 Osborn et al 2230-1135 FOREIGN PATENTS 167,829 10/ 34 Switzerland. 234,137 12/ 44 Switzerland.

A. HARRY LEVY, Primary Examiner.

PHLIP ARNOLD, Examiner. 

5. A RETAINING DEVICE FOR THE TENSIONING CABLE OF SKI BINDINGS COMPRISING A VERTICAL BASE PORTION WITH A TURNED DOWN CABLE HOLDING HOOK PORTION ON ITS UPPER END FOR MOUNTING ON THE SIDE SURFACE OF SKIS TO ENGAGE THE UPPER PORTION OF A SKI CABLE, WITH THE OUTER EDGE OF SAID HOOK PORTION EXTENDING DOWNWARDLY TO APPROXIMATELY THE HORIZONTAL PLANE OF THE AXIS OF A TENSIONED CABLE DISPOSED THEREUNDER, AND A RESILIENT SUPPORT MEMBER SECURED TO SAID BASE PORTION IN VERTICAL ALIGNMENT BELOW SAID HOOK PORTION, AND OF APPROXIMATELY THE SAME WIDTH AS SAID HOOK PORTION, SAID SUPPORT MEMBER EXTENDING OUTWARDLY BEYOND THE DIAMETER OF A CABLE ADAPTED TO BE DISPOSED UNDER SAID HOOK PORTION, WITH THE SURFACE OF SAID RESILIENT MEMBER DISPOSED BELOW SAID OUTER EDGE OF SAID HOOK PORTION BEING SPACED THEREFROM A DISTANCE WHICH IS LESS THAN THE DIAMETER OF A CABLE ADAPTED TO BE DISPOSED BELOW SAID HOOK PORTION TO PROVIDE A HORIZONTALLY EXTENDING SLOT THEREBETWEEN SO SAID CABLE CAN BE RELEASED THEREFROM BY A LATERAL FORCE ON SAID CABLE AND RETAINED THEREIN AT ALL OTHER TIMES. 